Tesla has posted a new video giving us our first look at their upcoming ventilator.
Designed to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic, the ventilator uses parts from Tesla vehicles so the company can “help out the medical industry without taking away from their supply” chain.
After a brief appearance, CEO Elon Musk passes things off to Tesla engineering director Joe Mardall who gives an overview of the ventilator and highlights the number of Tesla-sourced components it uses.
Among them are a mixing chamber and an infotainment system sourced from the Model 3. The latter runs unique software which monitors patients and their breathing.
Also Read: Tesla To Reopen New York Factory And Start Making Ventilators “As Soon As Humanly Possible”
The clip also gives a detailed look at how the ventilator works. Air flows into a mixing chamber and then passes through a box equipped with an assortment of sensors. It then flows through a filter and into a patient’s lungs.
The company also showed a production prototype which has a rectangular base and a touchscreen display mounted at eye level. Tesla explains this version of the ventilator has been designed for maximum flexibility so it allows for pressure regulated volume control, pressure control or volume control.
The production ventilator also has a backup system with an oxygen tank, an air compressor and a battery. This will give hospital employees 20-40 minutes to move a patient while still keeping them hooked up to the ventilator.
The video doesn’t reveal when the ventilator will go into production, but Musk has previously said they’ll build it “as soon as humanly possible.”
Of course, Tesla isn’t the automaker planning to make ventilators as GM has teamed up with Ventec Life Systems to build ventilators at their plant in Kokomo, Indiana. Ford is also gearing up to build 50,000 ventilators by July 4th.